reduced
Americanadjective
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made smaller, lower, or less; diminished.
Individuals who experience depression have reduced levels of serotonin in their brains.
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Mathematics. noting a polynomial equation in which the second highest power is missing.
The cubic equation x3 − 4x + 4 = 0 is reduced.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reduced
Explanation
A reduced thing has been lessened or subtracted from. If you want to ride your bike in Italy and you’re on a budget, look for reduced airfare. For a reduced risk of injury, wear a helmet when you get there. To reduce something is to make it smaller or lessen it in some way. Therefore, anything reduced is smaller than it was before. If you’re pedaling your way through Italy and hit a giant hill, you’ll probably have reduced pedal power and go much slower. This word applies to things that are going down in degree or amount. There could be reduced pain, reduced cost, or reduced size. Anything described as reduced can also be called decreased.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For example, the Canadian province of British Columbia reduced its regulatory requirements by roughly 36% after launching reforms in 2001.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026
As Alonso's rivals went into the pits, the Spaniard, benefitting from the reduced gaps caused by the safety car, moved up the field and went on to win the race.
From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026
By nearly all accounts, the state superintendent’s power has been reduced — and the authority of the office already was somewhat limited.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
Earlier, Abdul Samad smashed an unbeaten 30 off 15 balls as Pakistan beat Bangladesh with nine balls to spare in a semi-final reduced to 13 overs by a wet outfield.
From Barron's ● Oct. 1, 2026
Boaz had long ago reduced her sister’s good sense and reason to cottage cheese.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
